Eric Simoni is coming back to where it all started.
He was just announced as the new principal at East Union High, his alma mater. Simoni spent the past six years as principal at Escalon High.
He is the first graduate of the 50-year-old plus campus to become the high school principal.
“To return and serve East Union, the place that molded me, inspired me, and connected me to my career is an absolute honor,” he said via the Manteca Unified School District Community Outreach.
He added: “Not only does this opportunity does this opportunity give me a chance to give back to my home community, but it allows me to do so while being closer to my family – I look forward to connecting with my old friends and forging new relationships with the team members at EU.”
Simoni began his career in education at East Union in 1997. Three years later, he took over the Lancers’ basketball program from his old coach Bill Stricker, and subsequently led the Lancers to three straight Valley Oak League titles, from 2003 to 2005. He replaced his mentor and former coach, Stricker, again in 2009, becoming the school’s dean of athletics.
Initially hired to teach Social Studies, Simoni also served the EU Social Science department chair along with being a School Site Council member, assistant varsity baseball coach, and vice principal during his first go-around at the school.
He and his wife, Carey, who is the principal for River Islands High set to open in August 2023 in Lathrop as part of the Banta Unified School District, are parents to Kirk and Corley – both who attend school in the Manteca Unified district.
Eric Simoni, in addition, graduated from Westmont College, earning his teaching credential from the University of the Pacific and his master’s degree from the University of La Verne.
As for his return to EU?
“My role will be simple and to the point: By establishing well-grounded and firm relationships with students, staff, and the community, we will strive to provide an educational experience that connects students to life after high school – we will work together to facilitate ongoing learning opportunities and activities for students that not only prepare them for college, but also provide hands-on learning experiences that are industry specific,” Simoni said.
Johnson new principal
at Great Valley School
Theresa Johnson was also hired by the board Tuesday as the new principal of Great Valley Elementary School.
Born and raised in California, Ms. Johnson relocated to the San Joaquin Valley shortly after her high school graduation in 1986, attending Modesto Junior College and serving in the AmeriCorps Early Childhood Literacy Program for two years where she graduated with honors, earning an Associate Degree in Child Development. She became the Coordinator of the AmeriCorps Foster Youth Mentoring Program and received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Studies, graduating with honors from California State University in 2002.
She continued her education at CSU Stanislaus by obtaining her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, Master of Arts Degree in Educational Administration, and her Administrative Credential. Prior to joining Manteca Unified, Ms. Johnson served as a classroom teacher, vice principal, principal, instructional coach, and Director of Educational Programs. She has served in both traditional and charter school settings and strongly believes in building a strong Multi-Tiered System of Supports that includes Academics, Behavior and Social Emotional components
"I am honored to join the Manteca Unified School District and serve the Great Valley community,” Johnson said. “I am committed to creating an inclusive, equity-based learning environment that values teaching and learning. Teachers will be empowered to be creative and master their craft of effective instruction that meets the needs of ALL learners, students will be empowered to achieve their fullest potential, and parents will be empowered to be involved in their child's education."
